The professional arts community turned out to meet, greet and welcome the new executive director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven, Cindy Clair. Orchestrated by multi-talented key staffers, Bobbi Griffith, Soonil Chun and Barbara Feldman, the newly renovated Neighbohood Music School was a perfect venue for the gathering.
Larry Zukof, the executive director of the Neighborhood Music School, and ever genial host extended a warm welcome to the artists, architects, musicians and board members.
According to her introduction by architect Peter Newman, chair of the Membership Committee, Cindy was the unanimous choice of the organization’s Search Committee. New Haven’s reputation as the Cultural Capital of Connecticut attracted diverse candidates from across the country. Clair had just finished her incredible and much lauded tenure at Silvermine Guild Arts Center, where she was just heralded for her success in the mission to cultivate, promote and encourage growth through the arts; to showcase and serve artists; and to foster arts education and appreciation opportunities for the greater community.
Mary Lou Aleskie, executive at the Festival of Arts and Ideas, and John Fisher and Peter Means of CAPA (Shubert) were joined by artists and photographers Judith Siroka Rosenthal and Harold Shapiro. Barbara Lamb, director of cultural affairs for the city, well know painter Constance LaPalombara and Yale Repertory Theatre’s Vicki Nolan.
The room was alive with the sound of music and the group was energized and excited. All were looking forward to the Annual Awards Luncheon on Friday, at the New Haven Lawn Club; it will honor the revolutionaries who have made outstanding contributions to the arts scene that contribute to our esteemed reputation in the region and well beyond — ¬¶ — ¬¶ALL FOR THE GREATER GOOD!
